From CBC Radio 2

There are a few requirements for music to be good background music.  It has to be easy to listen to, at the right volume, low-key enough that you can kind of ignore it and focus on what you're doing, but still entertaining enough to keep you alert and motivated.

When I'm cranking away at my desk at work, I like putting on Laurie Brown's CBC radio show and podcast: The Signal.  She focuses on mellow contemporary/indie music by Canadian artists.  I just love her soothing voice and song picks.  It's definitely low key and listenable.  Consider it officially recommended!

(Pretty sure I got this recommendation from Colin Marshall. Thanks, Colin!)